Utilisation and Price Variability of Cephalosporins in General Medicine Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the drug utilisation pattern of cephalosporins in general medicine ward of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 100 patients admitted in general medicine ward of the tertiary care hospital. The patients who received cephalosporins during the time were included in the study. Data of enrolled patients was collected from inpatient records and assessed by statistical analysis. Results: 100 patients were enrolled into the present study (61% male and 39% female). The majority of patients (25%) belonged to age group 50-59 years. 17% patients had to urinary tract infections followed by 15% for acute febrile illness and 13 % for lower respiratory tract diseases. The duration of treatment was found to be 4-6 days in 48% patients. The route of administration of cephalosporins was intravenous in 91% patients. Only brand drugs (100%) were prescribed in this study. Ceftriaxone (89%) was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by Cefixime (7%). 4 different brands of ceftriaxone (1gm) were prescribed with a price variability of 4.66% and 3 different brands of cefixime were prescribed with a price variability of 29.67%. Conclusion It was observed that physicians prescribed cephalosporins rationally with no newer drugs or banned drugs but showed evident price variation. The study provides an insight to the pharmacists and other health care professionals on the need to work together for promoting the rational use of antibiotics and to minimize the cost of therapy.